New peptides from the NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), useful for prevention, treatment and diagnosis of HCV infection, particularly for use as vaccines

摘要

Peptides (I) of 86 amino acids (aa), present in the NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), extending from 1096-1181 aa in the viral polyprotein, are new, where they have any of 104 sequences, given in the specification. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a composition (A) that includes (I) and at least one other specific HCV-derived peptide (II); (2) specific epitopes (E) within the NS3 protein of HCV; (3) a nucleic acid (NA1) that encodes (I); (4) a nucleic acid (NA2) that encodes (E); (5) an expression vector that contains at least one NA1 or NA2, plus expression elements, optionally also sequences that encode (II); (6) a microorganism or host cell transformed by the vector of (5) or by a vector containing NA1 and a second vector encoding (II); (7) antibodies (Ab) directed against (I) or (E); and (8) method for detecting and/or quantifying HCV that uses Ab. ACTIVITY : Virucide; Hepatotropic; Antiinflammatory. No details of tests for these activities are given. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Vaccine; Gene therapy.